Bangkok: The Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has issued an urgent order to Safari World to urgently improve safety standards for its displays of dangerous animals. He has also outlined four strict measures to ensure the safety of both tourists and officials. He expressed concern for the health and well-being of the lions, who are initially found to be stressed and suffering from skin diseases, and whose cages are not adequately equipped.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, revealed that he has issued an urgent letter to Safari World Public Company Limited, urging it to improve safety standards for wild animal exhibits following an incident in which a lion in an open exhibit attacked a zookeeper, resulting in his death.
A preliminary inspection by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Service (DNP) revealed several safety deficiencies, including a lack of a secure area barrier, a lack of double-decker security gates, and a lack of appropriate animal control equipment. This resulted in officers having to approach animals directly while performing their duties. The DNP has therefore established four urgent measures that the company must implement in full, as follows:
Develop a safety plan and emergency response plan that includes concrete measures to prevent accidents caused by wild animals, such as installing animal control equipment, fences or walls separating areas between animals, staff and tourists, and double-layered security doors.
Establish safe work practices for staff, such as when feeding or caring for animals, avoiding close contact or being in the same area as aggressive animals, and having risk prevention systems in place throughout the process.
Improve the exhibition venue to meet standards by clearly separating the areas to suit the behavior of each type of animal. Also, install necessary equipment for control and surveillance, such as a camera system and an escape prevention structure.
Prepare a performance report and submit it to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. This report must include the progress of all measures so that the Department can assess readiness before considering permission to reopen the exhibition of wild animals.
The Director-General of the National Parks Department emphasized that he has ordered the company to expedite improvements to meet standards for the safety of both tourists and officials.
Previously, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ordered the temporary closure of lion and other wild animal exhibits at Safari World following the incident. This latest order outlines detailed, systematic solutions to ensure concrete action.
The Director-General of the Department of National Parks also expressed concern about the health and well-being of the five lions that attacked zoo officials. Three males and two females are currently being cared for by Safari World in separate cages near the exhibition area. Further investigation by the Department of National Parks officials revealed that the lions appeared stressed and suspicious, and showed signs of skin disease.
The company stated that the conditions of the cage are not yet adequate. The company has informed the zoo's veterinarians that the lions will be continuously observing its behavior. If their behavior is not adjusted, they will be moved to the company's animal shelter or quarantine facility in Prachinburi Province.